Red Balloon Learner Centre - Cambridge
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, East of England · CB24 6DF
Red Balloon Learner Centre offers something quite different from a conventional independent school: a small, supportive setting in Cambridge for young people aged 11 to 17, with around 35 pupils on roll. The Independent Schools Inspectorate rated it excellent, and singled out personal development for the same top grade. With numbers deliberately kept low, the centre is built around individual care rather than scale, and its work is plainly focused on helping pupils who need a more nurturing environment to find their feet. It is led by Head Ms Jessica Lechner.
35
Pupils
excellent
ISI
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Open in Google Maps ↗Overview & data
- Gender
- Mixed
- Type
- independent (fee-paying) school
- Age range
- 11-17
- Pupils
- 35
- Location
- Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, East of England
- Website
- https://www.redballoonlearner.org/locations/red-balloon-cambridge/
- Telephone
- 01223 357714
Entrance & admissions
- Entry age
- 11
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Headteacher
Head Ms Jessica Lechner
Latest results
Attainment 8
6.3
National average 46.9
GCSE grade 5+ (English & Maths)
8%
National average 47%
Teaching & academics
Pupils work towards GCSEs, and the academic figures should be read in the context of the school's purpose rather than as a straight comparison with mainstream settings. The average Attainment 8 score is 6.3, well below the national average of 46.9, and 8% reach grade 5 or above in English and Maths against a national figure of 47%. These numbers reflect a small cohort of learners who often arrive having struggled elsewhere, and the ISI's excellent rating points to strength in how the school supports each individual.
Sixth form
Qualifications offered
Ethos & heritage
- Religious character
- None
- Boarding
- No
Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 27 January 2026
The last word
A small, specialist centre whose excellent ISI judgement rests on care and personal development. Best understood as a place to rebuild confidence and learning, not a results-driven academic hothouse.
The Passmate verdict
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Red Balloon Learner Centre - Cambridge 11+: frequently asked questions
Where is Red Balloon Learner Centre - Cambridge located?
Red Balloon Learner Centre - Cambridge is located at 42-44 High Street, Milton, Cambridge, CB24 6DF.
What type of school is Red Balloon Learner Centre - Cambridge?
Red Balloon Learner Centre - Cambridge is an independent (fee-paying) school in East of England.
How many pupils attend Red Balloon Learner Centre - Cambridge?
Red Balloon Learner Centre - Cambridge has approximately 35 pupils on roll.
What is Red Balloon Learner Centre - Cambridge's inspection rating?
Red Balloon Learner Centre - Cambridge is inspected by the ISI and was judged "excellent" at its inspection on 27 January 2026.
Compiled from public data. Last checked June 2026.